The WLO Scientific and Technical Secretariat is currently located in Bilbao, Spain and led by the Chief Operating Officer. The general responsibility of the Secretariat is to manage the overall affairs of WLO. It functions as an agency for implementing and monitoring board approved policy and initiatives. It coordinates the general scientific strategy and implements the different WLO programmes and activities. The Secretariat also works as a communication center providing information and documentation services to members, special interest groups, centers of excellence, and other appropriate bodies.